NFL Predictions: Week 2 Picks and Hot Takes From Across the League

Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
13 of 17
Next

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, CBS

Here’s another one of those “unique” games. We won’t call it bad or unwatchable, but there aren’t exactly too many compelling reasons to watch this one outside of the Jacksonville and San Diego markets.

Last week was equally as disappointing for both teams, having the opportunity to win both of their games at the end of the fourth quarter. For San Diego, an epic second-half collapse is the exact opposite of how they needed to start their season, but Alex Smith and his band of resilient weapons on offense proved to out-match a Chargers defense that has plenty of question marks to still be answered. New talent is present in all areas, but there are few who believe they can be a strong enough unit to push for a playoff position in the wildly competitive AFC.

One of the reasons the AFC will be so competitive is the rise of Jacksonville’s machine, one that looks more fine-tuned by the game. They weren’t perfect against Green Bay, but both sides of the ball game the Jaguars an opportunity to stay in the game late and collect the win. They couldn’t, but improvements that have been shifted in over the past few years are beginning to create a very formidable team.

This pick might be the toughest of the week considering the high levels of unknown on both sides. If Jacksonville finds a groove with their playmakers on offense, one might imagine they could take this one handily. But San Diego can be pesky – if the offensive line can hold up, they might just have a shot to surprise the Jaguars and come away with a win.

Chargers find a way, squeak out home win against Jaguars, 24-23.

Next: Falcons/Raiders